Travel through the Andes on South America’s first luxury sleeper train

Those looking to explore Peru’s majestic landscape of massive sand dunes, soaring peaks, and cities packed with ancient Incan and colonial history can now do so aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer, which launched this May.

Courtesy of Belmond
As South America’s first luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer allows curious travelers a unique way to see Peru’s most famous landmarks. On the trip, you’ll enjoy ample views of the Andes and even be treated to a private tour of the world’s highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca

The train travels along one of the highest train routes in the world, reaching an altitude of 16,000 feet, which provides for an unusual perspective of the region’s glistening lakes, snow-capped peaks, and herds of alpacas and llamas from the large-picture windows or from the outdoor observation car.

Courtesy of Belmond
With enough space to carry up to 48 passengers, the train also includes a lounge car with a medium grand piano, a library, a boutique where you can snag handcrafted gifts from each of the destinations you’ll see on the way, and two dining cars where you can feast on authentic Peruvian cuisine.

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Dishes you can expect range from corn smothered in cheese to alpaca tortellini (really), while even the train’s design reflects the country’s culture with its vibrant colors and accents.

Courtesy of Belmond
“I wanted to connect the interior with the location and make it a holistic journey of discovery,” Inge Moore, the interior designer of the train, is quoted saying on the company’s website.

Guests can choose from a range of one and two-night itineraries that travel through cities like Cuzco — the gateway to the Lost City of the Incas — and Arequipa, which is nicknamed the White City because of its bright, bleach-like buildings made of volcanic stone.

Along the way, you’ll also see the Colca Canyon (one of the world’s deepest canyons with depths that extend more than 2.5 miles), the Sumbay Caves with some 500 ancient paintings that date back thousands of years, port cities like Puno, and natural locales like the La Raya Mountain Range.

Courtesy of Belmond
Every traveler aboard the Belmond Andean Explorer will, of course, also be treated like a VIP. Ultra-luxe experiences include a private tour of the floating islands that dot Lake Titicaca, and lunch on a private beach where you can admire the glacier-studded peaks of La Paz, Bolivia.

Prices for a one-night itinerary are $480 per person, based on a double occupancy.